NFL.com draft profile on Chase Claypool
| April 10, 2020 09:30AM |
[www.nfl.com]
CHASE CLAYPOOL
NOTRE DAME
WR
COLLEGE
Notre Dame
HOMETOWN
Abbotsford, BC
CLASS
Senior
HEIGHT
6' 4"
WEIGHT
238 lbs
ARMS
32 1/2”
HANDS
9 7/8”
Prospect Grade
6.35 WILL BE STARTER WITHIN FIRST TWO SEASONS
Combine Results
u-unofficial
40 Yard Dash
4.42 SECONDS
Bench Press
19 REPS
Vertical Jump
40.5 INCHES
Broad Jump
126.0 INCHES
Player Bio
Claypool grew up in British Columbia and was not getting much attention from American colleges until he started posting highlights on Facebook. Eventually he became a top-20 receiver prospect and landed a spot in South Bend. Claypool actually had more special teams tackles (eight) than receptions (five catches, 81 yards, 16.2 average) in 12 games as a true freshman -- but that's a good thing for a young player making his mark. He started eight of 12 games played in 2017 (29 receptions, 402 yards, 13.9 average, two touchdowns) before lining up full-time with the starters as a junior (50 receptions, 639 yards, 12.8 average, four touchdowns in 13 games, 12 starts). Claypool became a household name in 13 starts during the 2019 campaign, as he was the team's leading receiver, grabbing 66 passes for 1,037 yards (15.7 per) and 13 touchdowns, which ranked in the top 10 nationally.
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Miles Boykin
Overview
The comparison to former teammate Miles Boykin is an easy one since both have elite size and explosiveness, but Claypool has a higher ceiling and is a little more pro-ready. Claypool doesn't have shake to get much separation underneath, but he's physical inside the route and is adept at making contested catches when needed. He has size/strength/speed to bedevil singled up cornerbacks on 50/50 deep balls. He's a vertical challenger outside, a possession receiver as a big slot, an outstanding run blocker and immediate coverage ace on special teams. His elite traits and diverse skill set could allow him to create a unique footprint as a pro.
Strengths
Physical specimen with size and length to overwhelm
Strong competitive nature
Big and forceful against handsy coverage
Build-up speed can overtake unsuspecting coverage
Presents a sizable target with an expansive catch radius
Works back to the ball on all three levels
Contested catch specialist outside the numbers
Uses size to create late catch space
Elevates beyond cornerback's reach at high point
Pancake maker with nasty demeanor as run blocker
Premium special teams cover talent
Weaknesses
Very little wiggle or juice after the catch
Pedestrian release to challenge press
Average getting in and out at the break point
Inconsistent balance out of intermediate breaks
Will face heavy dose of contested catches
Needs to get better at stacking cornerbacks on deep balls
Can be tardy with catch-ready hands
Not a natural technician as a ball-catcher
CHASE CLAYPOOL
NOTRE DAME
WR
COLLEGE
Notre Dame
HOMETOWN
Abbotsford, BC
CLASS
Senior
HEIGHT
6' 4"
WEIGHT
238 lbs
ARMS
32 1/2”
HANDS
9 7/8”
Prospect Grade
6.35 WILL BE STARTER WITHIN FIRST TWO SEASONS
Combine Results
u-unofficial
40 Yard Dash
4.42 SECONDS
Bench Press
19 REPS
Vertical Jump
40.5 INCHES
Broad Jump
126.0 INCHES
Player Bio
Claypool grew up in British Columbia and was not getting much attention from American colleges until he started posting highlights on Facebook. Eventually he became a top-20 receiver prospect and landed a spot in South Bend. Claypool actually had more special teams tackles (eight) than receptions (five catches, 81 yards, 16.2 average) in 12 games as a true freshman -- but that's a good thing for a young player making his mark. He started eight of 12 games played in 2017 (29 receptions, 402 yards, 13.9 average, two touchdowns) before lining up full-time with the starters as a junior (50 receptions, 639 yards, 12.8 average, four touchdowns in 13 games, 12 starts). Claypool became a household name in 13 starts during the 2019 campaign, as he was the team's leading receiver, grabbing 66 passes for 1,037 yards (15.7 per) and 13 touchdowns, which ranked in the top 10 nationally.
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Miles Boykin
Overview
The comparison to former teammate Miles Boykin is an easy one since both have elite size and explosiveness, but Claypool has a higher ceiling and is a little more pro-ready. Claypool doesn't have shake to get much separation underneath, but he's physical inside the route and is adept at making contested catches when needed. He has size/strength/speed to bedevil singled up cornerbacks on 50/50 deep balls. He's a vertical challenger outside, a possession receiver as a big slot, an outstanding run blocker and immediate coverage ace on special teams. His elite traits and diverse skill set could allow him to create a unique footprint as a pro.
Strengths
Physical specimen with size and length to overwhelm
Strong competitive nature
Big and forceful against handsy coverage
Build-up speed can overtake unsuspecting coverage
Presents a sizable target with an expansive catch radius
Works back to the ball on all three levels
Contested catch specialist outside the numbers
Uses size to create late catch space
Elevates beyond cornerback's reach at high point
Pancake maker with nasty demeanor as run blocker
Premium special teams cover talent
Weaknesses
Very little wiggle or juice after the catch
Pedestrian release to challenge press
Average getting in and out at the break point
Inconsistent balance out of intermediate breaks
Will face heavy dose of contested catches
Needs to get better at stacking cornerbacks on deep balls
Can be tardy with catch-ready hands
Not a natural technician as a ball-catcher
